Consolidated Communications - Tentative Agreement

The Communications Workers of America and Consolidated Communications, Inc., entered into early contract negotiations in late August 2013.  Representing CWA members at the bargaining table were Local 6218 President Darrell Novark, Vice President Gary Gresham and District 6 CWA Representative Charlie Torres.  Your Bargaining Committee is pleased to announce that, late Tuesday, October 2, the parties reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract.  Despite these tough economic times, the new contract includes improvements in several important areas, continues to provide access to affordable health care and maintains other critical benefits to ensure our members standard of living.

The Local is currently making the necessary arrangements to conduct Contract Explanation Meetings.  The times and locations of these important meetings will be posted by Local officers as soon as all arrangements have been solidified.  Your Bargaining Committee encourages all CWA members to attend an explanation meeting.  At the conclusion of the explanation, members will have an opportunity to vote on ratification of the new Agreement.

The following are highlights of the new tentative agreement. 

Your CWA Bargaining Committee worked diligently to achieve this tentative agreement and unanimously recommends ratification.

Wages:  Annual general wage increases of:

  October 16, 2013 – 1.5%
  October 16, 2014 – 1.5%
  October 16, 2015 – 1.5%

These wage increases, when compounded over the course of the new Agreement, equate to a 4.57% increase.

New Early Bargaining Ratification Bonus:  As a result of the Union entering into early bargaining and reaching a tentative agreement, the Union was successful in securing and Early Bargaining Ratification Bonus of $500.

New Annual Performance Bonus:  This annual bonus is based on the Company’s attainment of EBITDA objective.  This bonus, if achieved, will be paid out in the first quarter of the year following the measurement year.  Bonuses for measurement years are:

  2013 - $500 *
  2014 - $500
  2015 - $600

* Your CWA Bargaining Committee was successful in getting the 2013 Annual Performance Bonus guaranteed.

Healthcare: Maintained the three healthcare plans. CDHP and Standard Plans at the current premium share rate for the next three years. The Plus Plan premium share rate was increased.

Life Insurance: Company provided Group Life and AD&D Insurance will increase from $50K each to $75K each, plus a voluntary supplemental life insurance plan will be available at employees’ expense.

Perfect Attendance Award-Improved

Cable Locator: Upgraded

Changes and Improvements on the following: Switching Tech requirements, At Home Agents, Sickness and Accident Disability Benefits, Utilization of CCI Employees, Hours of Operation, Call Out Schedule/Posting, Customer Service Classification, CIF.

Once again, your CWA Bargaining Committee unanimously recommends ratification of this tentative agreement.